Cashman acquired outfielder Aaron Hicks from the Twins in exchange for catcher John Ryan Murphy, effectively replacing Chris Young with a switch-hitting 26-year-old that hit lefthanders to the tune of a .307 average and .870 OPS last season.

While Hicks − whom the Yankees consider “an everyday player” based on his talent − currently fits in as Young’s replacement as the fourth outfielder, his acquisition could also be viewed as a precursor to a much bigger move.

Aaron Hicks, who can play all three outfield positions, comes to Yankees in trade Wednesday for John Ryan Murphy.

(Jesse Johnson/USA Today Sports)

“At the very least, he provides us what we were getting from Chris Young the last two years,” said Cashman, who first proposed the swap to Twins GM Terry Ryan three weeks ago. “At the very most, he provides us a lot of flexibility depending on how the winter transpires.”

Cashman stressed that he didn’t make the deal to set up another move, calling it “a good old fashioned baseball trade.” But as teams around the league continue to ask Cashman about Brett Gardner in trade talks, Hicks’ arrival gives the Yankees the depth to make such a move.

“There was an urgency on that position of need; there’s less of an urgency now, but it’s early,” Cashman said. “There could be a lot of changes, a lot of shakeups and a lot of things that could transpire, so I don’t rule anything out both on the trade and free-agent front. Our roster makes more sense at this moment than it did before we announced this deal.”

Gardner has three years and $38 million remaining on his contract, making him a desirable asset to many teams. Cashman noted that he’s received inquires about the longest-tenured homegrown Yankee over the years, turning them down time and time again. So while Gardner’s name may have come up in talks, that hardly means he’s guaranteed to be dealt this winter.

“We’re just going through the normal exercises that happen every winter,” Cashman said. “I have been hit on Gardy over the years quite often and he hasn’t gone anywhere. I value Gardy a great deal and think he’s a hell of a baseball player. He’s not an easy get.”

Hicks, 26, is a career .225/.306/.349 hitter in 247 games over the past three seasons, having made his big-league debut in 2013 at the age of 23. The 14th pick in the 2008 draft by the Twins, Hicks was considered one of the top prospects in the game, but he’s struggled to live up to that billing.

“Great tools; there’s definitely a shot that he can turn into a player,” one American League GM said. “There’s definitely potential and upside there.”

The Yankees believe Hicks took a step forward in 2015, when he hit .256/.323/.398 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI and 13 steals in 97 games. He seemed to mature under the tutelage of veteran All-Star Torii Hunter, much in the same way that Carlos Beltran and Alex Rodriguez influenced Didi Gregorius during his first year in New York.

John Ryan Murphy, who hit three home runs for Yanks last year as a backup catcher, is on his way to the Twins.

(Andy Marlin/Getty Images)

“He fits an area of need for us because of what he does against lefthanded pitching, especially,” Cashman said. “Plus defender, big arm; he gives us a lot of flexibility. A young, exciting talent. We believe he’s figured a lot of things out here in the last year.

“We’re excited about the athleticism, the package and the ability that we think he’s unlocked. We look forward to watching his career grow here as we move forward.”

This marks the second straight winter the Yankees have dealt a catcher, having traded Francisco Cervelli to the Pirates for Justin Wilson a year ago.

Cashman said he had “a ton of interest” in both Murphy and Gary Sanchez, who will compete for the backup catching job this spring with Austin Romine.

“I think Gary Sanchez can play in the big-leagues this year,” Cashman said.

PIRELA TO PODS: The Yankees also dealt infielder Jose Pirela to the Padres for minor-league righthander Ronald Herrera.